Airline review: New Qantas plane raises the standard for short flights

The airline: QantasLink

Qantas is replacing its Boeing 717s with new Airbus A220s.

• Route Melbourne (MEL) to Hobart (HBA) return, flights QF1291 and QF1292
• Frequency Four times daily
• Aircraft Airbus A220-300
• Class To Hobart, business, seat 2B. To Melbourne, economy, seat 21F
• Flight time To Hobart, 1 hour 20 minutes. To Melbourne, 1 hour 25 minutes

Checking in

As part of the Qantas Group’s Australian domestic fleet renewal program, 29 new Airbus A220s are being introduced. I’m on one of these, though the A220 is not on all QantasLink services between Melbourne and Hobart.

In Hobart, the line is long and tedious to get through security and the air side is busy, cramped and crowded. It’s set to improve by 2030 with a $200 million redevelopment. I’m not privy to the Hobart lounge, but Qantas has a new one set to open in 2027.

Baggage

QantasLink offers the same baggage allowance as Qantas: for business as well as loyalty members (with some variations according to tiers), two checked pieces up to 32 kilograms each. Economy is one piece up to 23 kilograms. Carry-on is the same across classes: one standard piece up to 10 kilograms or two small pieces totalling up to 14 kilograms, plus one personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag.

Loyalty scheme

Qantas Frequent Flyer

The seat

Cabins feel more spacious, with higher ceilings and the largest windows of any single-aisle aircraft.

Qantas’s A220-300 interior is designed by long-time collaborator, David Caon. Of 137 seats, 10 are in business in a 2-2 layout. They’re upholstered in a soft aubergine leather, have a 37 inches (94 centimetres) pitch and are 24 inches (61 centimetres) wide with an adjustable headrest, calf rest and footrest. In the centre console, there’s a wireless charging pad. Dual USB ports, a tablet shelf and a tablet holder built into the table, a drink shelf, a bottle holder, a coat hook and a nifty touch-light in the back of the seat in front make this seat an absolute pleasure.

Economy seats.

Economy is in a 2-3 layout, which seems to allow extra space in the aisle. The seats, covered in a brown-grey woven fabric that feels and looks luxurious, are comfortable and supportive. The earthy tones were chosen to bring a calming, peaceful ambience. They have a pitch of 30 inches (76 centimetres) and they are 18 inches (46 centimetres) wide. They come with an adjustable leather headrest. You have dual USB ports and AC outlets. The sense of space is enhanced by the windows, which are bigger than some aircraft in a similar class.

Entertainment + tech

Entertainment on board is through the Qantas app, which can be accessed through your own device.

There’s free Wi-Fi for everyone, and it’s fast and steady. Entertainment is via the Qantas app and is used on your own device. Qantas says it has more than 2500 hours of entertainment on there. Given the short flights, I opt for something light: a couple of episodes of Ghosts from the box sets. There are meatier movies and darker shows, and lots of choices for kids. There are device holders built into both business and economy seats.

Service

Service in business is attentive – there is one flight attendant for 10 passengers. She’s doing cabin manager duties as well, but she is warm and friendly to all. Economy service is brisk and cheery. It’s the birthday of the woman in my row and staff bring her a surprise bottle of bubbles. She’s absolutely delighted.

Food

In business, it’s a breakfast service and I opt for the omelette. It’s very good. In economy on the return flight, I get a pack of three veggie fritters with tomato sauce – both the woman next to me and I find them tasty.

Carbon emissions

The A220 is replacing Boeing 717s in the QF fleet. According to the IATA calculator, the 717 generates 132 kilograms of CO2 per business seat and 88 per economy seat on this route. Qantas says the new aircraft generates up to 25 per cent less than its predecessor. The A220 also generates up to 50 per cent less noise, and about 40 per cent less nitrogen oxide emissions than industry standards.

One more thing

This is a noticeably quieter aircraft, particularly up the pointy end. And takeoffs and landings on both my flights were remarkably smooth.

The price

From $326 return for economy; $1078 return for business.*

The verdict

I’m a fan of this aircraft and how Qantas has decked it out. Even the toilets are relatively roomy and restfully designed.

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

The writer flew as a guest of Qantas. See qantas.com

*Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication. They are subject to change.